In this blog post, we will explore 34 animals that start with the letter C, each with their own unique taxonomy, description, and fun fact. From the land to the sea, from insects to mammals, these creatures come in all shapes and sizes and inhabit every corner of the planet. So, let’s dive in and discover the amazing diversity of the animal kingdom!
List of 34 animals that start with C
- Cheetah
- Chimpanzee
- Crocodile
- Cougar
- Caracal
- Camel
- Capybara
- Caiman
- Cassowary
- Cobra
- Cow
- Coyote
- Coot
- Crane
- Catfish
- Cicada
- Clownfish
- Cuttlefish
- Crab
- Cichlid
- Coral
- Chinchilla
- Chipmunk
- Civet
- Centipede
- Cuckoo
- Conch
- Collie
- Coati
- Capuchin
- Cuscus
- Chuckwalla
- Crossbill
- Caddisfly
Cheetah
Taxonomy: The cheetah is a large feline in the family Felidae and is the only extant species of the genus Acinonyx.
Short Description: The cheetah is a fast and agile predator, known for its incredible speed and hunting abilities. It is the fastest land animal, capable of reaching speeds of up to 70 miles per hour. Cheetahs have a slender, muscular build and are covered in spotted fur, with a distinctive black “tear” mark under each eye.
Fun Fact: Cheetahs are one of the few big cats that are able to purr. They also have non-retractable claws, which help them grip the ground and maintain their balance while running.
Chimpanzee
Taxonomy: The chimpanzee is a great ape in the family Hominidae, along with humans, gorillas, and orangutans. Chimpanzees are divided into two species: the common chimpanzee and the bonobo.
Short Description: Chimpanzees are highly intelligent primates known for their tool use, problem-solving abilities, and social behavior. They have black fur, long arms, and opposable thumbs that allow them to grasp objects and manipulate their environment. They are primarily herbivorous, but also eat insects and small animals.
Fun Fact: Chimpanzees share over 98% of their DNA with humans and are our closest living relatives. They are capable of using sign language and have even been observed creating their own sign language to communicate with each other.
Crocodile
Taxonomy: Crocodiles are large, predatory reptiles in the family Crocodylidae. There are several species of crocodiles, including the saltwater crocodile, Nile crocodile, and American crocodile.
Short Description: Crocodiles are well-known for their powerful jaws and fearsome reputation. They have long, scaly bodies and can grow up to 20 feet in length. They are carnivorous and feed on a variety of prey, including fish, birds, and mammals. Crocodiles are also cold-blooded, which means they rely on external sources of heat to regulate their body temperature.
Fun Fact: Crocodiles have a unique feature called the “third eyelid” or nictitating membrane, which helps protect and moisten their eyes while they are underwater. They can also hold their breath for up to an hour while submerged.
Cougar
Taxonomy: The cougar, also known as the mountain lion, puma, or panther, is a large wildcat in the family Felidae. It is the fourth largest cat in the Americas, after the jaguar, lion, and tiger.
Short Description: The cougar is a solitary and elusive predator that is found throughout the Americas, from Canada to South America. They are typically tan or brown in color with white underparts and have a long, slender body and powerful legs for jumping and sprinting. They are carnivorous and hunt a variety of prey, including deer, elk, and small mammals.
Fun Fact: Cougars are known for their ability to jump up to 18 feet in a single bound and are excellent climbers, able to scale trees with ease. They are also known for their distinctive scream, which can be heard for miles and is often mistaken for a woman’s scream.
Caracal
Taxonomy: The caracal is a medium-sized wild cat in the family Felidae. It is also known as the desert lynx or African lynx, but is not closely related to the true lynx.
Short Description: The caracal is a slender and agile predator found in Africa, Central Asia, and the Middle East. They have reddish-brown fur with tufted ears, long legs, and a short tail. They are carnivorous and hunt a variety of prey, including birds, rodents, and small antelope.
Fun Fact: Caracals are skilled hunters and are known for their ability to jump up to 12 feet in the air to catch birds in flight. They are also sometimes trained as hunting companions in parts of the Middle East and India.
Picture: https://www.google.com/search?q=caracal&rlz=1C1GCEU_enUS832US832&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiZnJHauJ_wAhWvzDgGHX6xAvcQ_AUIBigB&biw=1366&bih=657
Camel
Taxonomy: Camels are large, even-toed ungulates in the family Camelidae. There are two species of camels: the dromedary, or one-humped camel, and the Bactrian camel, or two-humped camel.
Short Description: Camels are known for their distinctive humps and their ability to survive in harsh desert environments. They have long, slender legs and padded feet that help them traverse sandy terrain. Their humps are not filled with water, as is commonly believed, but rather with fat reserves that they can draw on for energy when food and water are scarce. They are herbivores and feed on a variety of desert plants.
Fun Fact: Camels can drink up to 30 gallons of water in just 13 minutes, allowing them to quickly replenish their water reserves in the harsh desert environment. They are also known for their ability to close their nostrils and eyelids to keep out blowing sand and dust.
Capybara
Taxonomy: The capybara is a large, semi-aquatic rodent in the family Caviidae. It is the largest rodent in the world and is native to South America.
Short Description: The capybara is a unique animal that looks like a giant guinea pig. They have short, dark brown fur and webbed feet, which make them excellent swimmers. They are herbivorous and feed on a variety of plants, including grasses and aquatic vegetation.
Fun Fact: Capybaras are social animals and are often found in groups of up to 20 individuals. They are also known for their ability to communicate with each other using a variety of vocalizations, including barks, whistles, and grunts.
Caiman
Taxonomy: Caimans are small to medium-sized crocodilians in the family Alligatoridae, which also includes alligators and their closest living relatives, the caimans.
Short Description: Caimans are aquatic reptiles found in Central and South America. They have a broad snout and are typically brown or black in color with yellow or white bands on their bodies. They are carnivorous and feed on a variety of prey, including fish, birds, and small mammals.
Fun Fact: Caimans are known for their ability to regenerate teeth throughout their lives. They can grow up to 50 new teeth each year to replace old or broken teeth. They are also social animals and are often found in groups of up to 20 individuals.
Cassowary
Taxonomy: The cassowary is a large flightless bird in the family Casuariidae. There are three species of cassowary: the Southern cassowary, the Dwarf cassowary, and the Northern cassowary.
Short Description: Cassowaries are large and powerful birds found in the tropical forests of Australia, New Guinea, and nearby islands. They have a striking appearance with a helmet-like crest on their heads, a brightly colored neck, and sharp claws on their feet. They are omnivorous and feed on a variety of fruits, insects, and small animals.
Fun Fact: Cassowaries are known for their powerful kicks, which they use for self-defense. They have been known to kick humans and dogs, and their kicks can be deadly. They are also one of the few bird species that have a casque, which is a bony structure on the top of their heads that is used for communication and possibly as a weapon.
Cobra
Taxonomy: The cobra is a venomous snake belonging to the family Elapidae, which also includes other venomous snakes such as mambas, coral snakes, and sea snakes.
Short Description: Cobras are found throughout the world, but are most commonly found in Africa and Asia. They are known for their iconic hood, which they flare out when they feel threatened. They are venomous and their bite can be deadly. They feed on a variety of prey, including rodents, birds, and other snakes.
Fun Fact: Cobras are known for their ability to spit venom. When threatened, some species of cobras can spit venom into the eyes of their attacker, causing temporary blindness and pain. They can also be trained to respond to the sound of a flute, which is used by snake charmers in some parts of the world.
Cow
Taxonomy: Cows belong to the genus Bos, which is in the family Bovidae. This family also includes other domesticated animals such as buffalo, sheep, and goats.
Short Description: Cows are domesticated mammals that are raised for their meat, milk, and hides. They are herbivores and feed on a variety of plants, including grasses, hay, and silage. They are also social animals and are often kept in herds.
Fun Fact: Cows have four stomachs and a complex digestive system that allows them to break down tough plant material. They also have a strong sense of smell and can recognize individual members of their herd. In some cultures, cows are considered sacred and are not eaten or used for labor.
Coyote
Taxonomy: Coyotes are a species of canid in the family Canidae, which also includes wolves, foxes, and domestic dogs. They are closely related to gray wolves and are sometimes referred to as the “brush wolf”.
Short Description: Coyotes are found throughout North and Central America and are known for their distinctive howls. They are carnivorous and feed on a variety of prey, including rodents, rabbits, and deer. They are adaptable and have been able to thrive in urban areas as well as rural areas.
Fun Fact: Coyotes are highly intelligent and are able to adapt to changing environments. They are also known for their strong family bonds and will often mate for life. They are sometimes hunted for sport or to control their population, but are also considered a valuable part of many ecosystems.
Coot
Taxonomy: Coots are medium-sized water birds belonging to the family Rallidae, which also includes rails, crakes, and gallinules. There are several species of coots, with the most common being the Eurasian coot.
Short Description: Coots are found in wetland habitats such as marshes, ponds, and lakes. They have dark plumage and distinctive white bills and frontal shields, which are used in territorial displays and courtship. They are omnivorous and feed on a variety of aquatic plants, insects, and small fish.
Fun Fact: Coots are known for their aggressive behavior, particularly during breeding season. They will often engage in aggressive displays, including fighting and chasing other birds, to defend their territory and mates. They are also excellent swimmers and divers, and can stay underwater for up to 15 seconds.
Crane
Taxonomy: Cranes are large, long-legged birds belonging to the family Gruidae, which is in the order Gruiformes. There are 15 species of cranes, found in various parts of the world, including North America, Europe, Africa, and Asia.
Short Description: Cranes are known for their graceful appearance and distinctive calls. They have long, thin necks and legs and can grow up to 6 feet tall. They are omnivores and feed on a variety of plants, insects, and small animals. Many species of cranes are migratory and travel long distances each year.
Fun Fact: Cranes are known for their elaborate courtship displays, which involve dancing, bowing, and leaping. They also have strong family bonds and will often mate for life. In some cultures, cranes are considered symbols of longevity and good fortune.
Catfish
Taxonomy: Catfish is a common name given to a diverse group of fish species that belong to the order Siluriformes. There are over 3,000 known species of catfish, found in both freshwater and saltwater environments around the world.
Short Description: Catfish have a distinctive appearance, with flattened heads and long whisker-like barbels that are used to sense their surroundings. They vary in size and can range from small species that are only a few inches long to large species that can grow up to several feet long. They are omnivorous and feed on a variety of food, including plants, small fish, and insects.
Fun Fact: Catfish are known for their sharp spines and have been known to cause injuries to fishermen who mishandle them. They are also popular in many cultures as a food source, and can be found on the menu in many seafood restaurants around the world.
Cicada
Taxonomy: Cicadas are insects belonging to the order Hemiptera, suborder Auchenorrhyncha. There are over 3,000 known species of cicadas, found in many parts of the world, including North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia.
Short Description: Cicadas are known for their distinctive buzzing and clicking sounds, which are produced by the males as part of their mating calls. They have broad, transparent wings and large eyes, and vary in size from small species that are only a few millimeters long to large species that can grow up to several inches long. Cicadas feed on plant sap, and their nymphs spend most of their lives underground, feeding on plant roots.
Fun Fact: Cicadas are known for their periodic emergence, which occurs once every 13 or 17 years in some species. During this time, billions of cicadas will emerge from the ground at the same time, creating a deafening chorus that can last for several weeks. This event is known as a “cicada invasion” or “cicada emergence.
Clownfish
Taxonomy: Clownfish, also known as anemonefish, are small, brightly colored fish belonging to the family Pomacentridae. There are about 30 known species of clownfish, found in the warm waters of the Indian and Pacific Oceans.
Short Description: Clownfish are known for their bright colors, which vary depending on the species but typically include shades of orange, yellow, and white. They have a unique relationship with sea anemones, which provide them with protection from predators and a place to lay their eggs. Clownfish are omnivores and feed on a variety of small animals, such as plankton and algae.
Fun Fact: Clownfish are born male but can change into females later in life, a process called sequential hermaphroditism. When a female clownfish dies, the dominant male will change into a female to take its place. Additionally, clownfish are one of the few species of fish that are capable of swimming backward.
Cuttlefish
Taxonomy: Cuttlefish are marine animals belonging to the order Sepiida, which is part of the class Cephalopoda. There are about 120 known species of cuttlefish, found in all of the world’s oceans.
Short Description: Cuttlefish are known for their unique appearance, which includes a broad, flattened body and large, W-shaped eyes. They have a highly developed nervous system and are known for their intelligence and ability to change their color and texture to blend in with their surroundings. Cuttlefish are carnivorous and feed on a variety of small animals, such as fish and crustaceans.
Fun Fact: Cuttlefish have a unique way of communicating with one another, which involves changing the patterns and colors on their skin. They are also able to use their ink to create a smokescreen to escape from predators. In addition, cuttlefish have three hearts and green-blue blood.
Crab
Taxonomy: Crabs are a type of crustacean belonging to the order Decapoda, which means “ten-footed.” There are over 8,000 species of crabs found in oceans, freshwater, and on land all around the world.
Short Description: Crabs are characterized by their hard exoskeleton, which protects their body and provides a place for muscle attachment. They have ten legs, with the first pair modified into claws called chelae, which they use for defense and to catch prey. Crabs are omnivorous and feed on a variety of plants and animals, including algae, mollusks, and small fish.
Fun Fact: Some species of crabs are able to regenerate their claws if they are lost due to injury or predation. In addition, certain types of crabs have developed unique adaptations for survival, such as fiddler crabs using one oversized claw to signal to potential mates or coconut crabs climbing trees to feed on coconuts.
Cichlid
Taxonomy: Cichlids are a family of freshwater fish that belong to the order Perciformes. They are found in tropical and subtropical regions of the world, especially in Africa, Central and South America.
Short Description: Cichlids are known for their colorful and diverse appearance, with over 3,000 species identified. They are generally small to medium-sized fish, with some species growing up to 1 meter in length. Cichlids have a distinctive set of teeth in their jaw, which they use to crush and grind their food.
Fun Fact: Cichlids are popular in the aquarium trade due to their bright colors and unique behaviors. They are also known for their intelligence and ability to recognize their owners. Some species of cichlids are known for their interesting parenting behaviors, such as mouth-brooding, where the female holds the eggs and later the young in her mouth.
Chinchilla
Taxonomy: Chinchillas are small, crepuscular rodents that belong to the family Chinchillidae. They are native to the Andes mountains in South America, where they live in rocky, high-altitude habitats.
Short Description: Chinchillas are known for their soft, dense fur, which was once highly prized for use in clothing. They are small, agile animals with large ears and eyes, and a long, bushy tail. Chinchillas are social animals and live in colonies in the wild.
Fun Fact: Chinchillas are known for their ability to jump up to 6 feet in the air, which helps them evade predators in the wild. They also have the ability to shed their fur as a defense mechanism, leaving a predator with a mouthful of fur while the chinchilla escapes.
Chipmunk
Taxonomy: Chipmunks are small, ground-dwelling rodents that belong to the family Sciuridae, which also includes squirrels and prairie dogs. They are found in North America, Europe, and Asia.
Short Description: Chipmunks are small, energetic animals with striped fur and bushy tails. They are known for their cheek pouches, which they use to carry food back to their burrows. Chipmunks are diurnal, meaning they are active during the day, and they hibernate during the winter.
Fun Fact: Chipmunks can store up to 8 times their body weight in their cheek pouches, allowing them to transport food quickly and efficiently. They are also excellent climbers and can climb trees and walls with ease.
Civet
Taxonomy: Civets are a family of small, carnivorous mammals that belong to the family Viverridae. There are about 35 species of civets, which are found in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.
Short Description: Civets are small to medium-sized animals with elongated bodies, short legs, and long tails. They have a pointed snout and sharp teeth, and most species have fur that is gray or brown with spots or stripes. Civets are nocturnal and are mostly solitary, although some species are social and live in groups.
Fun Fact: Civet cats are known for their ability to produce a unique musky scent, which is used in the production of perfumes and fragrances. Civet cats produce this scent from a gland located near their tail, which is collected and processed for use in the perfume industry.
Centipede
Taxonomy: Centipedes are elongated, flattened arthropods that belong to the class Chilopoda. There are about 8,000 species of centipedes, which are found throughout the world.
Short Description: Centipedes are long, segmented animals with many legs. The number of legs varies depending on the species, but they can have anywhere from 30 to 354 legs. They have a pair of antennae on their head and sharp claws on their many legs. Centipedes are carnivorous and feed on insects, spiders, and other small animals.
Fun Fact: Centipedes are one of the oldest known land animals, with fossils dating back over 400 million years. They are also very fast and can move up to 1.3 feet per second, making them one of the fastest moving arthropods.
Cuckoo
Taxonomy: Cuckoos are birds that belong to the family Cuculidae, which is divided into about 138 species. Cuckoos are found throughout the world, with the greatest diversity in tropical regions.
Short Description: Cuckoos are medium-sized birds with long, slender bodies and a distinctive curved bill. They have a sleek appearance and often have brightly colored feathers, particularly on their wings and tails. Cuckoos are known for their unique breeding behavior, in which they lay their eggs in the nests of other bird species, leaving the other birds to raise their young.
Fun Fact: Cuckoos have a unique vocalization, with each species having its own distinct call. In some cultures, the call of the cuckoo is associated with spring and is used as a sign of the changing seasons.
Conch
Taxonomy: Conch is a common name used to refer to a group of sea snails that belong to the family Strombidae. There are over 50 species of conch snails, which are found in warm, shallow waters throughout the world.
Short Description: Conch snails are large, spiral-shelled snails that can reach up to 12 inches in length. They have a distinctive pink and orange shell, with a flared opening at one end. Conch snails are herbivores and feed on algae and other marine plants.
Fun Fact: Conch shells have been used by humans for centuries for a variety of purposes, including as musical instruments, tools, and even as currency. In some cultures, conch shells are believed to have spiritual significance and are used in religious ceremonies.
Coati
Taxonomy: Coati, also known as coatimundi, is a member of the raccoon family, Procyonidae. There are four species of coati, which are found in Central and South America.
Short Description: Coatis are small to medium-sized animals with a long, slender body, short legs, and a distinctive long, narrow snout. They have a bushy tail, which they use for balance and communication. Coatis are omnivores and feed on a variety of foods, including insects, fruits, and small vertebrates.
Fun Fact: Coatis are highly social animals and live in groups called bands, which can consist of up to 30 individuals. Within the band, there is a hierarchy, with a dominant male at the top. Coatis are also known for their excellent sense of smell, which they use to locate food and communicate with other members of their band.
Capuchin
Taxonomy: Capuchin is a type of New World monkey that belongs to the family Cebidae. There are two genera of capuchin monkeys, Cebus and Sapajus, which include a total of 14 different species. They are found in Central and South America.
Short Description: Capuchin monkeys are small to medium-sized primates with a distinctive cap-like tuft of hair on their heads. They have a slender body, long tail, and agile fingers, which they use to grasp objects and manipulate tools. Capuchins are omnivores and eat a variety of foods, including fruits, insects, and small vertebrates.
Fun Fact: Capuchin monkeys are known for their intelligence and tool-use abilities. In the wild, they have been observed using sticks and stones to crack open nuts and shells. They are also popular as pets and have been trained to perform a variety of tasks, such as helping people with disabilities.
Cuscus
Taxonomy: Cuscus is a marsupial that belongs to the family Phalangeridae. There are several species of cuscus, which are found in Australia, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea.
Short Description: Cuscus are arboreal marsupials that resemble a cross between a monkey and a sloth. They have a stocky body, long furry tail, and prehensile fingers, which they use to climb trees and grasp branches. Cuscus are herbivores and feed on leaves, fruits, and flowers.
Fun Fact: Cuscus have a unique adaptation to their arboreal lifestyle. They have a grasping tail that can be used to hold onto branches, allowing them to hang upside down while feeding. Cuscus are also known for their slow movement and are difficult to spot in their natural habitat.
Chuckwalla
Taxonomy: Chuckwallas are large, stocky lizards that belong to the family Iguanidae. There are several species of chuckwallas, which are found in the deserts of southwestern United States and Mexico.
Short Description: Chuckwallas have a robust body, flat head, and short legs. They have rough, spiny skin and are generally gray or brown in color. Chuckwallas are herbivores and feed on a variety of plants, including cacti.
Fun Fact: Chuckwallas are known for their ability to inflate themselves when threatened. They can quickly gulp air and puff up their bodies, making it difficult for predators to swallow them. Chuckwallas are also popular as pets and are sometimes kept in terrariums.
Crossbill
Taxonomy: Crossbills are small passerine birds that belong to the family Fringillidae. There are several species of crossbills, which are found in the forests of North America, Europe, and Asia.
Short Description: Crossbills have a distinctive curved beak that is crossed at the tips. They have a stocky body and short tail, and are typically brown or red in color. Crossbills are named after their unique beak, which is used to extract seeds from the cones of coniferous trees.
Fun Fact: Crossbills have a unique adaptation that allows them to extract seeds from coniferous cones. Their beaks are specialized for prying open the scales of the cones and extracting the seeds. The tips of the beak cross over each other, allowing them to grasp the seeds and extract them with ease.
Caddisfly
Taxonomy: Caddisflies are small aquatic insects that belong to the order Trichoptera. There are thousands of species of caddisflies, which are found in freshwater habitats worldwide.
Short Description: Caddisflies have a slender, moth-like body and two pairs of wings covered with hairs. They have long antennae and legs, and are typically brown or gray in color. Caddisflies are important aquatic insects, as they play a key role in the food chain and are indicators of water quality.
Fun Fact: Caddisflies are known for their unique method of constructing protective cases out of materials found in their environment. They use silk to spin a case around their body, and then attach pieces of leaves, twigs, and other debris to the outside to create camouflage. The shape and size of the case varies between species, and can be used to identify different types of caddisflies.
In this article we covered animals that start with C. From the majestic cheetah to the sunning coyote, and from the beautiful clownfish to the elusive cuscus, the animal kingdom never ceases to amaze us.
We also learned about the fascinating behavior and characteristics of animals such as the coati, chipmunk, and centipede. Through our exploration, we have come to appreciate the incredible diversity of life on our planet and the importance of preserving and protecting these amazing creatures for future generations to enjoy.
Extend your list, with animals that start with I, animals that start with L, animals that start with D, and more.
Erzsebet Frey (Eli Frey) is an ecologist and online entrepreneur with a Master of Science in Ecology from the University of Belgrade. Originally from Serbia, she has lived in Sri Lanka since 2017. Eli has worked internationally in countries like Oman, Brazil, Germany, and Sri Lanka. In 2018, she expanded into SEO and blogging, completing courses from UC Davis and Edinburgh. Eli has founded multiple websites focused on biology, ecology, environmental science, sustainable and simple living, and outdoor activities. She enjoys creating nature and simple living videos on YouTube and participates in speleology, diving, and hiking.